This past week, Cass took a drive to the intersection of Mount Blue Sky Scenic and Historic Byway and Highway 5. Bringing along the pups brought its own adventure and took away the emotion and seeing her last project completed as Tourism Director of Clear Creek County, Colorado.
Concept
The idea for the Mount Blue Sky signage was presented by Cass after attending the Mount Blue Sky Coalition meetings. Members included the US Forrest Service, Denver Mountain Parks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Clear Creek County, and additional project stakeholders. Cass began thinking about those coming to Colorado to visit Mount Evans/Mount Blue Sky. How would they feel if they drove up and discovered the road was closed for repairs? As Cass thought about the visitor experience, she was determined to assist with wayfinding signage.
Design Steps
The first step was prioritizing information. Discussing how to best reach guests without cell service. Sharing location information as many may not know how far they are from Idaho Springs or Evergreen. And, providing aid to those who may be frustrated, confused, or simply wanting understanding of the closure.
Cass put together an initial request and presented it to the Tourism Board of Directors. The proposal included the installation of a road sign to serve as a way finding tool. She explained how the sign would reach visitors during the one year closure. Unanimously, the board agreed for Cass to present the idea to the Mount Blue Sky Coalition Committee.
After speaking to the Chairman of the MBSC Committee, Cass presented the idea at the coalition meeting. Everyone at the meeting stood behind the idea and felt it would be very helpful. The group was grateful for the Tourism Bureau covering the cost and allowing Cass to design the sign. Each committee member shared insight and direction regarding important content to include. Cass documented the ideas to later ensure proper representation of key stakeholders and information to be included.
Design Approval
After the meeting, Cass started designing the sign. She also looked into local sign companies to bid the project. She arranged site visits and discussed installation to ensure the sign would be in budget and installed on time. Cass then brought the information back to the board for review and approval.
Once the site visit was complete, she shared the identified potential locations and images with Denver Mountain Parks for site approval. Denver Mountain Parks owns the Echo Lake Lodge property, so having them select the location for installation was key!
Once the project reached approval in its entirety, the creative design was finalized. Cass made final changes to the design and submitted the design files to House of Signs out of Frisco, Colorado. The sign company then handled the printing, production, fabrication, and installation.
Mount Evans/Mount Blue Sky typically reopens for the season the Friday before Memorial Day. This created an urgency to install the sign prior to May 26, 2025. Cass worked with House of Signs to ensure early installation. The sign was officially installed on May 15, 2025, even while working around schedules and weather.
About the Sign
To stay within budget, the closure sign was finalized to stand at 7 feet wide by 3 feet tall. It is easily accessed by foot, on a bicycle, or by simply pulling up to while remaining in a vehicle. The sign includes so much helpful information while incorporating the fun cartoon element of CJ Miner and other Tourism Bureau branding elements. Overall the sign was successful in providing visitors a wayfinding tool to assist with direction, amenities, and closure information.
The selected site placement for the sign is extremely valuable as the face of the sign can be ‘reskinned’ prior to the road reopening or for the reopening of the Echo Lake Lodge once restoration by Denver Mountain Parks is complete.
Retrospect
Watching ideas and design work come to life is always an exciting accomplishment. This project, like others, presents opportunity for constructive criticism on how to improve designs.
Truly, this was an incredible opportunity. Cass enjoyed collaborating with so many amazing leaders and peers in creating this beautiful wayfinding tool. What an honor to serve the general public through wayfinding!
